parasympathetic adjective & noun. [,parǝsɪmpǝ'Ɵɛtɪk] E20.
[from PARA-¹ + SYMPATHETIC (some of the nerves concerned running alongside sympathetic nerves).]
Anatomy.
A. adjective. Of, pertaining to, or designating one of the major divisions of the autonomic nervous system, whose nerves leave the spinal cord in the cranial or sacral region and have acetylcholine as a transmitter, and which is associated more with calmness and rest than with alertness. E20.
b. noun. The parasympathetic system; a parasympathetic nerve. E20.

■ parasympathetically adverb M20.

■ parasympatho'lytic adjective & noun (Pharmacology) (a substance) that annuls or opposes the physiological action of the parasympathetic nervous system M20.

■ para,sympathomi'metic adjective & noun (Pharmacology) (a substance) that produces physiological effects characteristic of the action of the parasympathetic nervous system by promoting stimulation of parasympathetic nerves M20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲